Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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91. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of his Department's plans for the Tús scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31070/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the purpose of Tús is to provide short-term work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than one year. It helps to break the cycle of unemployment and improves a person’s chances of returning to the labour market. My Department is also conscious of the valuable contribution the scheme is making in the provision of services to individuals and communities across Ireland. Tús was introduced as a direct response to the growth in the level of unemployment during the financial crisis. With the ongoing welcome reductions in the live register, issues such as the appropriate level of expenditure, the number of places and the criteria for participation on employment schemes, including CE and Tús, are all being considered. I hope to be in a position to bring a Memo to Government by the end of the year.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.